As the seasons change in San Antonio, Texas, the weather often changes drastically. These climate shifts and spikes can make it hard to maintain a comfortable indoor atmosphere without spending a fortune on heating and cooling bills. Here are some helpful hacks to keep your energy costs under control without sacrificing your comfort:
Check Your Windows and Doors
The last thing you want to worry about is spending money to heat or cool the air in your home only for it to escape through gaps and leaks in the doors and windows. Check these access points to your home, and add insulating layers if needed. You can also use window coverings to keep sunlight out during the warm summer months. As a result, you’ll help prevent the indoor temperature from rising.
Old windows tend to leak more than newer and more efficient models. Therefore, consider investing in upgraded windows to save even more on energy costs. Exterior doors may need new weatherstripping, which will prevent air from escaping through the gap between the frame and the part of the door that swings open and shut.
Replace Your Light Bulbs
Outdated light bulbs are inefficient, wasting ample energy when they’re in use. Compact fluorescent bulbs use up to 75 percent less energy than standard light bulbs. LED bulbs are even more efficient, helping you to save money on electricity bills. These bulbs are a bit more expensive upfront, but they last much longer and use less energy.
Use Fans Around Your Home
Fans operate efficiently and move air throughout the space. As a result, they create an instant cooling effect during the warmer seasons. Keep your fans running in rooms you’re currently using, especially throughout the summer months. They can help ventilate your home, as well. When the weather cools in the fall and winter, reverse the direction of your ceiling fans to allow them to pull cold air up and disperse heated air.
Air Dry Your Clothing
Dryers use a lot of energy, especially if you leave them running for long periods. Instead of wasting energy, consider line-drying your clothing. Not only is this option better for the environment, but it can also extend the life of your clothing. Dryers tend to shrink your clothes, especially if you use the hot setting. They can wear out the fabric faster. If you don’t want to hang a line outside, hang your items on a drying rack inside instead.
Keep the Ducts Clean
Over time, the ducts that connect your cooling and heating system to the vents throughout the home tend to get overloaded with dust, dirt, pet hair, dander, pollen and other debris. Regular duct cleaning is an important part of home maintenance. During the service, your service technician will remove the debris that has collected in your ducts. As a result, the air will flow more freely, and the system won’t have to work as hard.
Not only will regular duct cleaning help you save on heating and cooling costs, but it also improves the quality of the air you breathe in your home. Indoor air quality is especially important among those who suffer from asthma, allergies and other health problems.
Upgrade Your Landscaping
Many homeowners don’t realize the impact that landscaping can have on their electricity bills. When you have large, shady trees surrounding the exterior of your home, you can prevent the sun’s rays from seeping through the windows. Trees also add privacy to your property and offer a place to relax on a warm afternoon.
If you want to save on energy, consider adding some more trees to your landscaping. Shrubs can also help, especially if you plant them close to the foundation. These plants add a layer of insulation. As a result, they protect your home from high temperatures and chilly winds.
Are you still struggling to maintain a comfortable atmosphere without spending too much on energy bills? The HVAC team at Woods Comfort Systems can help. Contact us at 512-842-5066 for excellent HVAC services.
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